Nanotechnology General News

The latest news from academia, regulators
research labs and other things of interest

Posted: October 19, 2009

Novel semiconductor nanostructure design revolutionizes T-ray lasers

(Nanowerk News) Yissum Research Development Company of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem Ltd.,
the technology transfer arm of the University, today announced that Professor
L.D. Shvartsman and Professor B. Laikhtman, from the Racah Institute of Physics
at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, have invented a novel design of
TeraHertz-ray, or T-ray, lasers. Using nanostructures which are based on
semiconductors with special properties, the novel device will have 400 times
higher gain than THz quantum cascade lasers, the only coherent T-ray sources
existing today. This invention will make T-ray based cameras and spectrometers
practical, ushering a new era in security and medical imaging.

T-rays are electromagnetic waves with a wavelength shorter than microwave but
longer than infrared. They are extremely attractive for various imaging
applications due to three main reasons: they can penetrate through various
substances, including clothing and even walls, they are harmless, and therefore
allow a safe use for healthcare and homeland security applications and they can
detect various chemicals, in particular explosives. Thus, T-ray-based devices
can detect hidden weapons and explosives, as well as improve patient care and
safety in healthcare facilities by allowing an unlimited number of exposures for
medical examinations. However, despite all the advantages of T-rays, they are
barely used due to lack of T-ray emitters that will generate powerful, coherent
and adjustable terahertz waves. The invention of Professor Laikhtman and
Professor Shvartsman overcomes these current limitations and suggests the design
of effective THz lasers.

"TeraHertz rays are the imaging method of the future. They are comparable to
X-rays in terms of their ability to penetrate opaque substances, but more
importantly, they are harmless," said Yaacov Michlin, CEO of Yissum. "The novel
method to produce efficient T-ray emitters will enable the use of this important
imaging source for various applications, including security and medical
applications."

About Yissum

Yissum Research Development Company of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem Ltd.
was founded in 1964 to protect and commercialize the Hebrew University`s
intellectual property. Products based on Hebrew University technologies that
have been commercialized by Yissum currently generate $1.2 Billion in annual
sales. Ranked among the top technology transfer companies in the world, Yissum
has registered over 6,100 patents covering 1,750 inventions; has licensed out
480 technologies and has spun-off 65 companies. Yissum`s business partners span
the globe and include companies such as Novartis, Johnson & Johnson, Merck,
Teva, Intel, IBM, Phillips, Sygenta, Vilmorin, Monsanto and many more.